OUR, PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2128, 30 November 1868, Page 3

OUR, PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

lll. —Tjiji Lunatic Asylum.

'A far greater degree of public interest attaches to an asylum for the insane than to any other charitable institution. There are few who do not feel the promptings of curiosity with regard to it. The spectacle presented by a crowd of patients—their eccentricities — their treatment — the stories which they arc ever ready to communicate, cannot fail to absorb the attention of visitors. Through the courtesy of the Provincial Surgeon, Dr flulmo, our reporter was enabled, a few days ago, to pay a visit of inspection to the Lunatic Asylum, near the Town Belt. Mr .Tames Hume, tho superintendent, and Miss Ferguson, tho matron, seem to have gained tho good ■will and confidence of all tho poor sufferers. They listen with patience to every petition and complaint of fancied wrong, and by their words of comfort, advice, or warning, generally manage to soothe them all. The day on which our reporter visited tho Asylum was cold and wet, and the kindling of fires therefore was rendered necessary in some of the wards. On approaching ono of these compartments, known-as the " Female Day Iloom," ho stood for a few moments to listen to the dissonant voices within. There were about twenty women present. Several of them were standing near the firo, perfectly happy, as it appeared, under its exhilarating influence. There were others, however, who seemed afraid of lotting tho play of the lire light reach their features, who shaded their faces with their hands, and paid no attention to the merry chntterings of their companions. Others wandered ■up and down the room in an apparently angry mood, as if oppressed by some insuSerablo injustice. There were several who scorned disposed to be excessively friendly, and proclaimed their perfect sanity over and over again ; tliero were others whose silence and despondent gaze could not fail to onlist tho sympathy of the most callous. • But as very littlo notice has been taken of the

I-RO(aiESS OF THE INSTITUTION-, it would not be out of place to speak of fits inauguration, in Sept. 1803, as well as the restiltn of each year since that time. A few months prior to the period abovementioned? Dr Hulme pointed out the expediency of removing the lunatic 3, who were then located at the old hospital near the Octagon, to a more convenient buildIng. The continued discoveries of gold within tho Province drew ovnr thousands of diggers from tho other colonies, and, as is invariably the case, the increase in the population, added, in a proportionate degree, to the number of the inmates of our charitable institutions. Consequently, the building which was then occupied for the tworold purpose of a hospital and lunatic asylum. Boon became inconveniently crowded, and the Government ultimatelysetapartfor the accommodation of tho insane that building which forms the subject of this article. A better site could not have been selected. From its great elevation a beautiful view can bo obtained of tho placid waters of Dnnodin Bay, tho Great Pacific, and the picturesque country on either side. During the early part of the year 1804, there were in the Asylum 29 male, and 17 female patients. Up to the 12th November there were admitted 24 males, and four females, and there bad been under treatment during the latter six months 47 patients ; of that number thero were discharged cured, 15 ; removed improved, two; and three died. Tho percentage cured was at a higher rate than that- of the home asylums, and it is believed that it would have been still greater but for the admission of incurable patients from the gaol. About this time there was added to tho male division a new ward, in connection with which a ward for attendants, lavatory, and other necessary appurtenances were constructed. The whole v connected with the main building, wlncn

now forms the centre of the two wings, by a spacious lobby. Upwards of two acre* of ground, too, were laid out as a garden, and were Boon under crop with vegetables, roots, &c. This was a «tcp in tho right direction, as it li-ia since been the means of relieving the Government of the expense of procuring those articles ; to this has been added the rearing of pigs and poultry, by whicli a more frequent change of diet is obtained than was previously the case. During the year following, since the 30th September, 18G5, when there were in the Asylum 37 male and 17 female patients, there v/ere admitted 35 males and 11 females, making a total of 100 under treatment. Of that number there were discharged cured, 28 ; removed improved, 1 ; and 5 died ; leaving in the asylum on the_ 30th September, 1800, 45 male and 21 female parents,.or a total of GG. This shows an increase of 12 patients during the year, and a daily average of 02. The per cenlage cured on the admissions was 00.0, and upon tho whole number under treatment 28, which was higher by 7 per cent, than that of the previous y«ar. None of the patients discharged cured were re-adrnittcd, all having left the Asylum in good bodily health and condition. The cost per patient for the year ending 30th September, 18GG, was 2s 3jd per day, or 15s 11 d per week. This included salaries, rations, fuel and light, medical comforts, bedding, clothing, &c>» and 13 a considerable reduction "on the coat of the previous year, which was 17s 7d per week. Notwithstanding the increased accommodation mentioned above, tho male wards were crowded shortly after if; was provided. To meet tho increase, additional buildings were aoon afterwards erected, together with a large promenade yard, and a verandah running its entire ' length. The day rooms, in which the

pati entii exercise during incloment weather, wero constructed in such a manner as to enable them to obtain a pleasant view of tho Bay, Ocean Beach, and tho Asylum, gardens. Tho estimated value of garden produce, bacon, poultry, and eggs consumed in tho Asylum, and which had previously to bo purchased, is estimated afc

per month

This accounts for the

great reduction in the cost of maintenance per patient. Up to the Ist April, 18G7, there had been admitted, from tho pre'viotia date of admissions, 34 males and 6 females, making in all a total of 100 "under treatment. There were cured 18. and 1 was removed, leaving in the Asylum on the 31st March, 1807, 64 males and 23 females—or a total of 87 ; shewing an increase of f2l patients during a period of 0 montlis, and " a daily average of 80. Besides the total number above given there were, afterwards admitted, 04 rnon and 12 womon, making a total in tho Asylum of 103 at ono period. Ultimately there were of that

lumber discharged cured, 55 ; removed mproved, 3 ; and 9 died, leaving in tho

Institution on tho 31st March, 18GS, 71 malo and'2s female patients; total, 00; and tho average number resident during

tho previous twelve months was 87. From tho 28th August, 1803, to March

31st, 1808, there were admitted 227 males and 73 females, making a total of 300. Of the latter number there recovered 128 males and 42 females ; there were relieved five males and four females, and there died 23 males and two females, leaving in

the Asylum at tho end of March of this year, tho number stated, 90.

ho per centage recovered upon the

total number admitted, 300; wassG'G7, and the per ccntago of deaths, 8 33. A very great proportion of the male patients are miners and laborers, who- being greatly addicted to drink, suffer from acute mania, and they, as a rule, soon recover. Tho single patients predominate over tho married to tho extent of two to ono. tt is also a fact worthy of notice that while

tho cost per head for patients attheYarra Bend Asylum, near Melbourne, averages L7G, that of each patient at tho Dunedin Asylum, is only L4G, fully L3O per head less. This economy in tho management docs not by any means involve any sacrifice of comfort to the inmates. It is the result of well-directed efforts to make tho Asylum self-supporting.

MODE OF TREATMENT.

How to treat tho insane with the view of effecting thoir rapid and permanent restoration to health, is a question which has been frequently discussed by tho faculty during tho last quarter of a century ; and it is to tho credit of those who undertook tho consideration of such an important matter that so many wise and judicious alterations in tho modo of treating the insane have been made. Even within tho last 12 or 14 years a refractory patient, on being consigned to the custody of tho. superintendent of any lunatic asylum in Great Britain, wassubjocted to a courso of treatment which at the present day would be considered cruelty. Besides tho ordinary strait waistcoat, the unfortunate patients were subjected to the wheeling chair, tho iron rod, the arm hobbles, and other machinery, which not only restrained, but actually tortured them. The wheeling chair was usually fixed in the middle of a largo room, and the patient being secured to it, the attendant who accompanied the doctor on such occasions, would cause it to turn round with great rapidity, a proceeding which of courso increased tho sufferings of the victim. Others, who displayed violent propensities, had their hands and legs tied, wore thrown into a pit of water about Oft. deep, and were not allowed to raise their heads above the surface until the medical man, who stood by, watch in hand, considered that exhausted nature could hold out no longer. They were then allowed to rise and gasp for breath, when the process of dipping would bo repoated often three or four times. After the patients had by such means been constrained to make promises of amendment, they woro allowed to return to their lonesomo cells, greater lunatics than when they left them. How different the treatment now. For the wheeling chair, tho dreadful pit, and other means of torture, have been substituted comfortable though solitary cells. If the patient is wakofuJ and troublesome at night, sleeping draughts are administered, and soothing words are often spoken. There ia nothing to terrify tho mind, nor to torture tho body. Gentle treatment succeeds when other moans havo failed. It may here bo incidentally mentioned that regret has often been expressed that tho friends or relatives of persons labouring under insanity often show a reluctance to send them to an asylum until, in many cases, tho disease is far advanced, and the patient becomes tin manageable. They should recollect that, in such cases, delay often proves a positive, and frequently a permanent injury. The systematic treatment of insanity should commence at its earliest stage.

EMPLOYMENT.

When patients who aro approaching convalescence rise in the morning, they aro usually occupied in making their beds. Here again, economy, the great feature of the institution, is observable. The bedding, as well aa the floors, tables, and forms, aro facrupulously clean, a remark which equally applies to the culinary and other departments. In making the beds,

gs, the lowermost sheet»,after having been in wo use for several days] is removed ; the top i a aheet~thcnfalls"lnto Its place ; this is su faith stituicd by a clean one, and thus, ala though every sheet is removed after being it in use a few days, it is made to answer a he two-fold purpose. It is also a rule of the ng institution, with a view to avoid expense, ed to employ attendants who have learned a eh trade. There are many of tho patients ib- who are carpenters, painters, tailors, &c., so. and if attendants are engaged who have th been accustomed to work at either of these he trades, the patien's, when able, are ern:s, plo3^ed, after the ordinary duties of tho LI institution have been attended to, in er mechanical work, under the snperintoare dance of the attendants. By this means d, all the additions to the Asylum and >n tho improvements that havo been id made from time to time have is bet-n executed by tho attendants and the ig patients themselves. In order to shew ie the great saving which has been thus is effected, wG will refer briefly to several sr important warfc« completed during tho >y past three or four years : A ward for reis fractory male patients has been cond structed, and tho superintendent is now Ft enabled to separate the violent and exd cited from the quiet and convalescent, so c that a better chance of speedy recovery is s afforded to the latter class. Besides other s additions made there has been built on a ;, hill at an elevation of about 90ft. from "f the ground level of the Asylum a strong c brick tank or reservoir capable of holding s 1000 gallons, into which a spring oozing i- from the. face of a rock was diverted.' , The water is carried to the Asylum by gravitation, a distance of 500 ft through iron piping, and pours itself into a large cistern erected above the kitchen court, which holds 2800 gallons. The cistern is of great strength, i It rests upon strong brick piers, and is raised to such an elevation aa to command any part of the Asylum in case of Ore. A : large tap is fitted in to each side of tho ; cistern, to which hose can bo attached at i any time. Both tho tank and the cistern 1 remain constantly filled with water, the i supply of which, in the event of fire, i would bo enormous. Tho water, which is i of excellent quality, is also conveyed to s every part of the building, and may be i used ml libitum for cleansing pur- i poses, baths, flushing drains, &c. -\ Tho entire work, with tho exception of i the plumbing, was done by the staff and 1 inmates, and for strength and workman- c ship cannot be surpassed, if equalled, in i Dunedin. Tho men are also employed in i mattrass-making, gardening, &c, and the r women in sewing, knitting, and domestic c duties. Notwithstanding tho additions j made to the male division of tho Asylum, s the accommodation was ultimately found a to bo insufficient; and Park House, which s is contiguously situated, is now used as an Asylum for private patients, and others who are quiet aud recovering. The interior of tho whole building is now undergoing a thorough renovation. Several of tho attendants and patients are engaged painting the various wards, <fee. a It is considered that light employment, c with occasional stimulants, are conducive a to the health of tho patients, and acceler- a ate their recovery. During the last few , years, great improvements have been made in the grounds. Three acres have "" been utilised in tho production of vegetables. The remaining portion has been ■" set apart for purposes of recreation; ° and there are many enjoyable promen- *' ades. w escapes. f Two only of the patients havo managed to o escape since tho Asylum was opened. 1< During tho year 1860, one female patient, tl who was quite harmless, succeeded in s< eluding the vigilance of tho attendants b while employed in tho laundry. She went tl direct to her home, where she had left v n number of cats ; but, on finding them r< dispersed, returned to the Asylum, be- Q wailing her loss. In the following year, ft ono of the male patients, while being con- tl ducted from his ward to tho recreation tl room, made his escape through a side a< door which chanced to bo open at tho T time. He returned, however, on the fol- A lowing day, and stated that he had " been g< studying tho planets, but at tho same time h< studying the safety of his flock (tho in- fr mates of the Asylum) during tho night." p, He shortly afterwards recovered, and left fj Dunedin for Victoria, to join his brc- E thers. Tho majority of tho patients ap- w pear quite satisfied during their stay in tho Asylum. This, no doubt, is attribut- B e able, in a great measure, to tho good feel- fr ing which has always existed between the F patients, the officers, and the attendants, w as well as to the nature of tho place and l< its arrangements. j i AMUSEMENTS. During certain seasons of tho year \^ concerts, dramatic, and other entertain- jj ments are given at the Institution, and jj by this means the patients are enabled to q, pass many pleasant evoniugs. The build- 6 j. ing, which is now used for the twofold se purpose of an amusement hall and chapel, j^ was completed a few months ago, and from it 3 spacious dimensions and thorough m ventilation, is admirably adapted for j^ those purposes. It is 70ft x 25ft. It has ca an arched roof, and the walls are 10ft g, high. At one end there has been erected a very handsome stage, being 24ft wide ] c and 19ft deep, with large oriel windows, ipj Here a splendid view is obtained of tho „<■ North East """alley, tho north end of the be city, Mount Cargill, and those other wooded sa steeps which Bhoot up hundreds of feot intotheair. Theprosconiumliasbeenrichly j^ curtained and surmounted by the Royal be Arms, executed and presented to the In- g ( stitution by Mr John Irvine, of this city. m The Royal Armß are supported on either m side by tho Arms of Otago and Australia. e h There is also, on the platform, a very fine be piano, which was purchased by subscrip- qq tion, raised mainly through the oxer- f 0 tions of the Hon. Major Richardson, who has always manifested a great „. interest in tho welfare of the Asylum. A t Many ladies and gentlemen,*"" who also ».f feel an interest in the Institution attend q c the entertainments, and some of them k, take an active part in them. The last of Cs these gatherings took place on tho even- C< ing of tho 9th inst., when singing and K< dancing was kept up with great spirit for F* several hours. The Misses Hume pre- Sc sided alternately at the piano, and °a elicited, as they have done on many previous occasions, well-deserved applause. During the evening, the Audience, on' the motion of Mr Hume, passed an unanimous vote of thanks to tho Government for the liberality which they had always displayed when appealed to on behalf of tho Insti- ir tution. Tho entertainment was concluded rJ by all present giving three hearty cheers <^ for the superintendent. In fine weather fj the patients amuse themselves with bowls, Bi croquet, &c.; and walking parties to the R different objects of interest in and around M the city are often formed. "We believe It' tho superintendent intends to construct, X at an early period, a billiard room for the patients—a step which will still more tend to relieve the monotonous life of the poor lunatic. SABBATH OBSERVANCES. Divine service has been held regularly Si every Sunday throughout the year, and g< with very few exceptions the patients re

have conducted themselves in a quiet and orderly jmaniieiv The services in connection with tj|oio«of the Protc3tant persuasion are invariably conducted by Mr Torrance, the Chaplain, and Mr Chisholm also occasionally attends. The Roman Catholic services are performed by the Rev. Father Moreau. The discourse of the minister is often liilened to with great attention, and his remarks are frequently commented upon by some of the patients for days afterwards. By permission of the superintendent, our reporter on one occasion attended divine service at the Aaylum. Shortly before three o'clock the patie»kr^iißrr»Wf^Mn the largo hall, and soon afterwards Mr Chisholm entered and performed the -Presbyterian Church service. Then follo^ed'a very interesting sermon by the same gentleman, full of episodes and anecdotes. jOF course, there were some amorig the patients upon whom the words of Jjjfii,,preacher seemed to have little or no effect; they looked as helpless as children, and their faces indicated that even the last remnant of intelligence had fled; others scarcely ever lifted their eyes from their boojts; others again Beemed to be inspired with religious watchfulness to a laborious degree ; but the faces of the majority wore a meaningless expreaaion, sometimes following vaguely the words as they were uttered, and sometimes amusing themselves as they had probably done when children. If, however, as it once or twice happened, that any commenced to laui;h and prattle, a look or signal from the superintendent restrained them and they immediately fell back into an attitudo of prayer. There were also sonic who gathered their garments round them in a dignified manner, and looked upon their • jeighbours on either Bide, sometimes with, a patronising, and sometimes with a contemptuous air. When the hymns, were; Being sung there were many who listened with pleased attention, and many whose wavering voices joined the choir. The good order and attention they displayed were very noticeable ; and it was also observed that some listened now and again, acttiough their attention was attracted by soraja word or words; that they appeared to listen for similar words, just as one might strive with:noise and distance to catch familiar sounds ; and that whon they came hot, all interest left the faco, and tho imbecile expression followed like a shadow after sunlight. When the service was concluded, they all marched in procession from the chapel to their respective wards—the women first, tho men afterwards. Some laughed like children who had just been witnessing a play, and others moved away noiselessly, slowly, and sedately, as if recognising and anxious to evince their appreciation of the solemnity of the proceedings.